A University of Florida entomologist said the species known as Psorophora ciliate, sometimes called gallinippers, were more prevalent last year, and he believes there's a good chance there may be a repeat on the way.

"I wouldn't be surprised, given the numbers we saw last year," entomologist Phil Kaufman said. "When we hit the rainy cycle we may see that again."

The gallinipper is a floodwater mosquito that lays its eggs in soil at the edges of ponds, streams and other water bodies that overflow when heavy rain comes. These eggs can remain dry and dormant for years until high water causes them to hatch.

Last year, Tropical Storm Debbie caused flooding throughout the state and unleashed large numbers of gallinippers.

The species is notoriously aggressive and has a bite that "really hurts," Kaufman said.

Gallinippers are also much larger than the Asian tiger mosquito commonly found in Florida.